Reach-In Refrigerators
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Introduction
Reach-in refrigerators are typically found in restaurants, cafeterias, hospitals, schools and convenience stores. They are medium- (40°F) or low-temperature (0°F), portable devices and range in size from 20 to 90 cubic feet. In a small business, the electrical load they impose typically ranges from 10% to 40% of the facility's total load.
Technology Options
Reach-in refrigerators and freezers can be more energy efficient if they are designed with components such as high-efficiency evaporator and condenser fan motors, hot gas anti-sweat heaters or high-efficiency compressors. All of these features can significantly reduce energy consumption and utility bills. Reach-in refrigerators' energy consumption is measure in kilowatt hours (kWh)/day. The lower the value, the more efficient the refrigerator.
Efficiency Benefits
Energy-efficient reach-in refrigerators or freezers may qualify for the ENERGY STAR label based on the commercial solid-door refrigerator/freezer criteria. ENERGY STAR qualified models can bring energy savings up to 46% with a 1.3-year payback, amounting to annual savings on your utility bills of $140 per refrigerator and $100 per freezer.
Below is an example of the energy savings potential from the U.S. Department of Energy's Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP). Note that the best available unit can save nearly 40% over the base model.
Cost-Effectiveness Example (Reach-in, Solid Door Refrigerator, 24.0 cubic feet) |
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Performance | Base Model | Recommended Level | Best Available |
Daily Energy Use | 5.2 kWh | 4.4 kWh | 3.1 kWh |
Annual Energy Use | 1,891 kWh | 1,621 kWh | 1,132 kWh |
Annual Energy Cost | $113 | $97 | $70 |
Lifetime Energy Costa | $890 | $760 | $530 |
Lifetime Energy Cost Savings | - | $130 | $360 |
Note the best available unit can save nearly 40% over the base model.
Manufacturers
A list of ENERGY STAR qualifying manufacturers can be downloaded from the ENERGY STAR site. Click on the manufacturer list on the upper right of the ENERGY STAR web page.
Purchasing Tips
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The ENERGY STAR program includes commercial solid-door refrigerators and freezers. Below are the criteria for qualification. The DOE Federal Energy Management Program also recommends the same energy performance levels.
ENERGY STAR Qualified Commercial Solid Door Refrigerators and Freezers | |
Product Type | Energy Consumption Under Test Conditions |
Refrigerators | < 0.10V + 2.04 kWh/day |
Freezers | < 0.40V + 1.38 kWh/day |
Refrigerator-Freezers | < 0.27AV - 0.71 kWh/day |
Ice Cream Freezers | < 0.39V + 0.82 kWh/day |
AV = Adjusted volume = (1.63 x freezer volume in ft3) + refrigerator volume in ft3
The U.S. Department of Energy's Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) also recommends the same energy performance levels.
Emerging Technology
Manufacturers are constantly seeking ways to reduce the energy consumption of their equipment. Some of the potential energy consumption reductions may result from improved compressor performance, evaporator and condenser fan and motor improvements, high-performance insulation and onboard energy management controls.